Battle Red Blog
The Battle Red Blog writers gathered to discuss the signing of RB Nick Chubb
Texans signed Nick Chubb earlier this week and While the impact on each of the current running backs on the roster is still being settled, it’s clear Houston has plans to implement the four-time Pro Bowler in the offense in a meaningful way. Chubb enters an extremely crowded locker room full of veterans and unproven youngsters.
This week, I asked the writers of the Battle Red Blog three questions surrounding the addition of Nick Chubb.
Not a move that was on many fans’ bingo cards before the weekend, but this is another of Caserio’s low-risk/high-reward free agency signings. If Chubb has anything in the tank, he could be a good asset for the team, or at least Cam Akers Part Deux, where Houston trades him for a reasonable pick. To answer the questions:
1) Chubb would seem to be a rotational back, spelling Mixon and/or filling in if/when Mixon gets injured. If the power that Chubb showed before his injuries returns, he could be a good short-yardage/red-zone power back, something the squad desperately needs.
2) As for who on the depth chart is most in danger with Chubb’s signing, presuming that Chubb is healthy enough to make an impact in the preseason, perhaps Pierce might be the odd-man out. Pierce is in the final year or his rookie deal, so it is critical for him to play like he did to close out the 2024-25 season. That Pierce is an effective kick-returner might help keep him around, but that would likely be a role that Marks would play. Sure, Pierce could also be trade-bait for Houston (see Akers, Cam). It is also possible Houston keeps Pierce around anyway, and given that Marks is a rookie who Houston gave up some draft capital to pick, you might see both remain on the roster when camp breaks.
3) As for the Mixon injury, I wouldn’t read too much into that. Chubb was likely a deal that Caserio couldn’t pass up. Now, if Mixon still has that same injury come late August, then we have a different conversation about Chubb’s June signing.
Let me take these one by one. I’d also ask the good folks to read my Value of Things on the subject.
1) I suspect that Chubb will be a traditional backup running back where he will give Mixon a series or two off a day. That could mean between five and ten carries a game.
2) I think Pierce’s days are numbered. He really doesn’t offer much outside of a backup role. Obviously we will have to see...
